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Would have gladly taken him back and solved our backup striker problem in the short term for little cost.

It was dreadful squad planning. We should never been at the end of the window with these players if we had no intention of keeping them. However, I would argue that we could still have used Mandzukic given that we only have 3 strikers and play 2 every match. We have been lucky with injuries so...

Genius move releasing him when you play 4-3-3 and only 3 strikers, with really only 2 playing as the centre forward.

100% correct, plenty of people here said it. We miss a player like him as an option up front. The way we pushed him out was awful and the way we let him go for free came down to terrible transfer window planning.

Unquestionable legend, key player in 4 league titles and a CL final run including a wonder goal in that final. Could have done with him at times this season. I think we miss his drive and ability to bring something different.

Strange situation that doesn't benefit anyone. I'd much rather have him around the squad allowing Ronaldo to get a rest than calling up U23 players.

Which goes back to my first two posts, we are stupid to be in this situation and should have planned far better in the summer. I'd think we'd still make more money holding him until January and selling then (when strikers are usually in demand and come at a premium) than saving 3 or 4 months...

They would have 1 month ago, they can't now the windows are closed

Because he is worth at least 10m and should have been sold in the summer. You can say he turned down moves but they seemed to be at the end of the window and he has clearly had a change of heart now. We should have been clear early on that he wasn't in the plans and sold him for funds.

Only we would be stupid enough to release him for free

Maybe he loves the club and/or is on a better contract here than he would get elsewhere. It is also possible that he sees a role for himself here. He could play on the left or offer something different to Higuain and Dybala up front. Giroud did well in a similar mould for Sarri last year.

I like Mandzukic but he offered very little today. Games like this suit players like Costa or Dybala more.

Superb assist, was unlucky not to have another similar one for Berna. Unlucky not to score too in the first half.

The thing is, you say of course there is more to it.But you clearly don't see it given that you use a short highlight as an example to your point. I rebutted the example by explaining that Mandzukic started the move out wide and opened up the defence with his pass, yet you respond by saying...

I'm pretty sure Mandzukic played a key role in opening up the defence to start this move by drawing an opposition defender on the right touchline and flicking the ball inside for a runner whilst getting fouled from behind/taking the opposition defender out of the game in the process. There is a...

Honestly no idea what he was trying at the end. He was excellent today but if he keeps the ball in the corner we don't concede at the end.

Depends on what he wants. Not everyone wants to go and play in China, especially when they play at a high level in Europe. Mandzukic doesn't seem the type to just chase money.

Terrible first half, but improved in the second. Even when he isn't having a great game he wins a penalty and unlucky to have one disallowed.

Real CF goal, always like to see those

Big game player